Departure

Global Festival Powerhouses: Scale, Strategy & Survival
2026-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
This is the room where the future of festivals gets defined. Bringing together some of the most influential talent buyers and operators in the world—Kevin Lyman, Gus Canazio, Brooke Dunford, and Patrick Guay—this headline panel dives into how festivals are evolving at every level.
From global mega-festivals like Rock in Rio and Lollapalooza Brazil to cultural mainstays like Warped Tour, Boots and Hearts, and Osheaga, these leaders are shaping what millions of fans experience each year. The conversation explores how booking strategy, audience behavior, economics, and global competition are redefining what a successful festival looks like—and what it takes to build, scale, and sustain the next generation of live events.

From Office Movers to Media Moguls: Jermaine & Trevaunn Richards
2026-05-06 14:30 - 15:30 | Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
What began as culturally sharp, character-driven comedy on YouTube has grown into one of Canada’s most influential creator-led entertainment brands.
In this Departure-exclusive conversation, brothers Jermaine and Trevaunn Richards — the creators behind The Office Movers and founders of Random Order Studios take the stage alongside members of the extended Office Movers family for a live discussion presented by Complex Canada.
From building a loyal digital audience through viral sketches to launching a nationally recognized television series and expanding into fashion and other ventures under 4 Ya’ll Entertainment, the Richards have redefined what it means to evolve from YouTube creators into multi-platform entrepreneurs.
This candid conversation will explore the realities of scaling a creator brand, navigating identity and representation in mainstream media, monetizing community without losing authenticity, and building sustainable creative businesses in Canada and beyond.
The session will conclude with a live audience Q&A, giving attendees rare access to the brothers and their extended creative team.

An Inflection Point for OTA Radio Advertising: Stealing Digital’s Playbook
2026-05-06 14:45 - 15:00 | Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York), 100 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1E3, Canada
Digital advertising is “click, click, bought.” National radio campaigns are “call, wait, negotiate.” While digital platforms offer frictionless, self-serve access, executing a radio buy can still take days or weeks.
In this fast-paced 15‑minute session, we’ll explore how radio can level the playing field. We’ll focus heavily on the “why”: why the industry must collaborate on infrastructure rather than compete in isolation, why programmatic access is an urgent necessity, and why shared solutions lower the barrier to entry for broadcasters of all sizes. Discover the new initiatives breaking down the red tape and paving the way to attract the next generation of radio advertisers.

Nashville North: Country Music Songwriters Circle w/ David Thomson, Parker Graye, and Paige Rutledge
2026-05-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Jane Mallett Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Country music has always been built on great songs and the stories behind them. From Nashville writing rooms to festival mainstages, today’s country artists are carrying that tradition forward while expanding the genre’s reach.
In this intimate, in-the-round session, moderated by Hot Country Radio’s Tracy Lynn, Tim Hicks, David Thomson, Parker Graye, and Paige Rutledge take the stage to share the songs that define them. Blending live performance with candid conversation, they’ll unpack the personal experiences, writing sessions, and industry moments that shape their work.
This is country music at its core: honest, stripped-back, and driven by story.

Pivotal Moments: How Women in Broadcast Turn Challenges into Opportunity
2026-05-06 15:15 - 16:00 | Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York), 100 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1E3, Canada
In an industry built on making noise, these women have mastered the art of turning pressure into possibility. If you’ve ever wondered how leaders rise when the spotlight is hottest, this is the panel you don’t want to miss.

The Modern Fan Economy - VIP, Pop-Ups & Profit
2026-05-06 15:15 - 16:00 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
The fan relationship has evolved, and with it, the entire business of live music. This panel brings together experiential entrepreneurs Noreen Hamid, Patrice Whiffen + special guests to explore how VIP experiences, merch pop-ups, and high-touch fan activations are redefining revenue in today’s live ecosystem.
From Oasis-style cultural takeovers to Morgan Wallen’s premium fan experiences, the conversation will unpack how artists and teams are building deeper, more monetizable fan relationships. It will also examine how AI is beginning to reshape this landscape, unlocking smarter fan segmentation, personalized experiences, dynamic pricing, and new forms of engagement at scale.
Looking beyond music, the panel will explore what the industry can learn from sports—where data, loyalty, and premium access have long driven revenue—and how those models can be adapted to create more sustainable, high-value fan ecosystems in live music moving forward.

30 Ideas in 45 Minutes - Nik Goodman
2026-05-06 16:15 - 17:00 | Imperial Room (Fairmont Royal York), 100 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1E3, Canada
No keynotes. No long backstories. Just ideas! Six brilliant speakers bring five ideas each and what do you get… 45 minutes of pure inspiration. This is the session for people who love practical thinking – promotions you can steal, content twists you can try tomorrow, talent ideas, digital moves, revenue sparks and brand plays that actually work.
It’s fast. It’s focused. It’s energising… and it’s the perfect way to round off Radiodays North America!

Opening Remarks
2026-05-07 09:45 - 10:00 | Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Join us as we kick off our second day at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of Departure Festival & Conference, welcoming a global community of artists, creators, executives, and innovators for a day of ideas, connection, and culture.
As the festival continues, this moment marks a shift into the heart of Departure’s programming. Today brings together voices from across music, media, and the creative industries to explore where culture is going and how we build it together. From insightful conversations to live performances and unexpected collaborations, this is a space designed to spark momentum and meaningful exchange.
We are proud to welcome you to the Bluma Appel Theatre for day three of Departure.

Opening Remarks: Sync Summit
2026-05-07 10:00 - 10:15 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
Join us as we kick off Departure’s inaugural Sync Summit, bringing together music supervisors, artists, composers, and industry leaders at the intersection of music and screen.
This opening moment will set the tone for a day focused on the creative and commercial power of sync, exploring how music moves across film, television, advertising, and beyond. From storytelling and collaboration to deal-making and discovery, the Sync Summit creates space for meaningful conversations around one of the fastest-evolving areas of the industry.
The session will also feature opening remarks from Kim Temple of Music Publishers Canada, offering insight into the role of music in visual storytelling and the opportunities ahead for artists and creators working in sync.
Welcome to the Sync Summit at Departure.

From Vision to Phenomenon: Inside KPop Demon Hunters
2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
When K-Pop Demon Hunters premiered, it didn’t just debut – it detonated. Conceived, and directed by Maggie Kang, the film shattered streaming records, topped charts, and defined what an animated musical fantasy inspired by Korean pop culture could achieve on the global stage.
Long before it became a worldwide cultural force, the project began with a singular creative voice shaped by animation, music, and a deep commitment to storytelling. A Sheridan College alum, Kang’s journey from student artist to visionary filmmaker is as compelling as the phenomenon she helped create.
In this intimate fireside conversation, Maggie will trace the film’s origin story from early concept sketches and musical influences to building a universe that seamlessly fuses spectacle, mythology, and character-driven narrative. She’ll reflect on the power of specificity in storytelling, and how authenticity can translate into global resonance.
The discussion will also explore her broader creative evolution: navigating the animation industry, scaling ambition while protecting artistic voice, and building globally relevant IP without compromise. What comes after a record-breaking hit? How do creators continue expanding their vision while staying grounded in their core identity?
A rare look at vision, resilience, and the long arc from classroom to cultural phenomenon.

A Deep Dive with Legendary Music Supervisor, Mary Ramos
2026-05-07 10:15 - 11:00 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
Music Publishers Canada presents an intimate keynote interview with award-winning music supervisor, Mary Ramos. Mary’s illustrious career spans from iconic films like Quentin Tarrantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained, and The Hateful Eight to the acclaimed series Being the Ricardos, Mrs. America, Little Fires Everywhere, Black Bird, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. Winner of the 2026 Guild of Music Supervisors Award for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television for Thom Yorke’s “Dialing In” from Smoke, and GRAMMY nominated for the Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood soundtrack, learn from the master about the art of curating iconic songs for every scene. You won’t want to miss this enlightening conversation led by Vivian Barclay (Hot House Songs).

The Queen Who Built Canadian Hip Hop
2026-05-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Focus Stage (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Long before Canadian hip hop had a global presence, Michee Mee was already breaking barriers. As the first Canadian rapper signed to a major U.S. label and one of the earliest artists to bring Canadian hip hop to an international audience, she helped define the foundation of the genre in this country. From JUNO recognition to being honored by Canada Postwith a commemorative stamp, her impact spans generations.
In this intimate fireside chat, acclaimed music journalist Karen Bliss sits down with Michee Mee to reflect on the evolution of hip hop in Canada—from its earliest days to its current global influence. Together, they’ll explore the barriers she broke as a female artist in a male-dominated space, why more women still struggle to break through at scale, and what needs to change to create a more equitable future.
From legacy and representation to ownership, influence, and cultural impact, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a true architect of Canadian hip hop—and to understand what comes next.

The Sync Pipeline: From Songwriting Session to Screen
2026-05-07 11:15 - 12:00 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
Landing a major sync placement isn’t luck, it’s a combination of creative instinct, production decisions, and strategic positioning.
In this Sync Summit conversation, hitmaker Jenna Andrews and producer/songwriter Andrew Briol unpack how songs are written and produced with placement potential in mind, from emotional tone and lyrical universality to sonic palettes that translate across film, television, advertising, and gaming.
They’re joined by Maria Alonte, SVP of Sync at HYBE and Big Machine, and Caron Nightingale, two experts on the licensing side who bring the dealmaker’s perspective — how music supervisors, brands, and studios actually choose songs, what makes a record sync-ready, and how publishers and labels position music for screen.
Together, they break down the full lifecycle of a sync opportunity: how a song moves from writing room to pitch deck, what makes it stand out in a crowded field, and how a successful placement can drive streaming, discovery, and long-term cultural impact.
From K-pop to global pop, indie catalog to major-label releases, this panel explores the creative and business mechanics behind the songs that end up everywhere.

Late Bloomer: Jasmeet Raina on Storytelling, Sound & Breaking Through
2026-05-07 11:30 - 12:15 | Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Jasmeet Raina (Jus Reign) takes the stage for a special moderated keynote exploring his evolution from pioneering digital creator to the star and co-creator of the hit series Late Bloomer. Known for his sharp cultural perspective and boundary-pushing storytelling, Raina will reflect on his journey – building an audience online, navigating identity and representation, and ultimately bringing a deeply personal vision to television.
Joining him are the show’s composers, Adrian Bellaire and Ace G., who have helped shape Late Bloomer’s distinctive sonic world. Together, they’ll unpack how music and score elevate storytelling – blending genres, moods, and cultural influences to create a soundtrack that feels as fresh and layered as the show itself.
The conversation will dive into the creative process behind Late Bloomer, the role of music in modern screen narratives, and how creators can expand their voice across platforms without losing authenticity. The session will close with a fan Q&A, offering audiences a chance to engage directly with the talent behind one of Canada’s most exciting new series.
A must-attend for creators, composers, and storytellers alike, this keynote captures the power of vision, collaboration, and sound in shaping the next wave of cultural storytelling.

Sound Break Live Performance
2026-05-07 12:15 - 12:45, 2026-05-08 12:15 - 12:45 | Focus Stage (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Step into the upstairs lobby at the Bluma Appel Theatre for an intimate Sound Break performance presented by TOLive. Designed as a close-up musical moment within the energy of Departure, this stripped-back set offers a rare opportunity to experience emerging and established artists in a more personal, immersive setting.
With the audience just steps away, Sound Break highlights the power of live performance at its most immediate and authentic. A chance to pause, discover, and connect, this is where new sounds cut through and lasting impressions are made.

Meet the Supervisors
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
Discover the process behind curating songs for sync, including the relationships music supervisors nurture to find the songs that elevate the projects they work on. Join us for a peek behind the scenes of what it’s like to supervise on shows and trailers, including The Crown, Ted Lasso, The Diplomat, and the Marvel franchise. Join Music Publishers Canada and an esteemed panel of international music supervisors to learn about their creative process, the challenges they face, and the art of landing a perfect placement.

Producer Playback: South Asian Edition with Deep Jandu, Jay Trak presented by SOCAN
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Jane Mallett Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Long before South Asian music became a global force, producers in Canada were quietly shaping the sound that would carry it there. Artists like Deep Jandu didn’t just participate in the rise of Punjabi music; they helped define its modern identity, building a sonic language that now resonates worldwide.
In this special Producer Playback session, moderated by Karan Chahal, Deep Jandu and Jay Trak break down the records and creative choices that pushed the culture forward. From early innovations to today’s cross-border collaborations, they’ll explore how a distinctly Canadian foundation helped influence a global movement, and how that influence continues to evolve through a new generation of producers and artists.
With additional guests to be announced, this is a rare opportunity to trace the lineage of a sound, from its roots in local scenes to its place at the forefront of global music today.

The Global Sound of K-Pop
2026-05-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Focus Stage (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
K-pop isn’t just a genre—it’s one of the most influential forces in global music. This panel brings together the Canadian songwriters helping shape its sound from behind the scenes, offering a rare look into how the world’s biggest pop movement is built.
Featuring hitmakers August Rigo, Sophia Kay, and Sophie Simmons, whose credits span artists like BTS, NewJeans, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, aespa, and more, the conversation will explore how cross-border collaboration, genre fusion, and songwriting innovation have driven K-pop’s global rise.
From crafting melodies that resonate across cultures to navigating the intersection of Western and Korean pop systems, this session will break down what makes a K-pop hit—and where the sound, business, and creative process are heading next.

Black Music Songwriters Circle presented by SOCAN
2026-05-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Jane Mallett Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Black music has long been the foundation of global sound, shaping everything from R&B and soul to hip hop, pop and beyond. In Canada, a new generation of artists is building on that legacy while carving out distinct, future-facing voices.
This songwriter circle brings together Jev, Adria Kain, + special guests for an intimate session rooted in both performance and conversation. Moving between songs and storytelling, they’ll explore the influences, lived experiences, and creative instincts that drive their work.
A powerful snapshot of where Black music in Canada is now and where it’s headed next.

Scoring the Moment: Inside the Sound of Heated Rivalry
2026-05-07 15:45 - 16:45 | Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
When Heated Rivalry premiered to critical acclaim, it wasn’t just the storytelling that resonated – it was the music. The emotional architecture of the series, shaped by composer Peter Peter and music supervisor Scotty Taylor, became inseparable from its cultural footprint.
In this Departure conversation, director and co-creator Jacob Tierney joins Peter Peter and Scotty Taylor to deconstruct the musical process behind the show – from early creative conversations and sonic world-building to the pivotal song choices that defined its tone and amplified its impact.
Together, they’ll explore how original score and curated tracks can elevate narrative stakes, drive fan engagement, and create a halo effect that extends beyond the screen into streaming charts, social platforms, and broader cultural conversation.
This session will unpack the collaboration between director, composer, and supervisor; the balance between instinct and strategy; and how music can transform a scene into a moment – and a series into a phenomenon.

Opening Remarks: Sports Summit
2026-05-08 10:00 - 10:15 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
Join us as we kick off Departure’s inaugural Sports Summit, bringing together leaders from across sports, media, and culture for a day of conversation, insight, and connection.
This opening moment sets the tone for a summit focused on the evolving role of sport in a rapidly changing landscape. From leagues and teams to media, technology, and brand partnerships, the Sports Summit explores how sport continues to shape culture, drive engagement, and create new opportunities across industries.
With a focus on innovation, storytelling, and global growth, the day ahead will bring together diverse perspectives to examine what is next for the business of sport and the communities it serves.
Welcome to the Sports Summit at Departure.

Game On: The Arrival of the Toronto Tempo
2026-05-08 11:15 - 12:00 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
On the opening night of the historic inaugural season of the Toronto Tempo, this landmark conversation brings together the driving forces behind one of the most important moments in Canadian sports. Global entertainer and cultural powerhouse Lilly Singh will be joined by members of the Tempo executive team to mark the arrival of the WNBA in Toronto.
Together, they’ll explore how this franchise came to life, what it represents for the future of women’s sports in Canada, and why the Toronto Tempo is poised to become a defining cultural force. From leadership and investment to storytelling, fandom, and global impact, this is a rare, front-row look at a movement as it begins—live, on the night history is made.

Composer Masterclass with Peter Peter
2026-05-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Jane Mallett Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Behind every great film or series is a score that shapes how we feel, often before a single word is spoken. With standout work including Heated Rivalry, Peter Peter has built a reputation for crafting music that deepens narrative and defines tone across screen-based storytelling.
In this masterclass, moderated by SOCAN’s Mike Rocha, Peter Peter breaks down the role of music in story, exploring how composition can build tension, heighten emotion, and anchor a project’s identity. From first brief to final mix, Peter offers a detailed look at the creative and technical process behind scoring for film and television.
For anyone interested in the intersection of music and screen, this is an inside look at composing at a high level.

The Evolution of the CFL: Legacy, Leadership & What’s Next
2026-05-08 13:00 - 13:45 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
Stewart Johnson, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, takes the stage for a special fireside chat exploring the past, present, and future of one of Canada’s most enduring sports institutions.
From its historic roots and cultural significance to its ongoing transformation in a rapidly evolving sports and media landscape, this conversation will examine how the CFL continues to adapt, grow, and connect with new generations of fans. Johnson will share insight into the league’s strategic vision, including expansion, innovation, and global positioning, while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities shaping the league today.
Joined by a special guest, the discussion will explore defining moments, leadership lessons, and the power of sport to unify communities across the country. It will also look at how storytelling, digital engagement, and cultural relevance are shaping the CFL’s next chapter.

The FIFA Effect — Canada Steps Onto the World Stage
2026-05-08 14:00 - 14:45 | Ontario
As FIFA brings the world’s biggest sporting event to Canada, the country faces a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine its place in the global game. This panel features Mike Beckerman of Canada Soccer, Chris Shewfelt of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, + special guests offering perspectives from the federation, the club level, and the athlete experience.
From infrastructure and investment to fan growth, media rights, and long-term legacy, the conversation will unpack how Canada can fully capitalize on hosting the world stage, and whether this moment can accelerate the country into a true global soccer nation for decades to come.

Pop's Next Wave: A Songwriters Circle
2026-05-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Jane Mallett Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts), 27 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B4, Canada
Pop music moves fast but great songwriting is what makes it stick. Behind every hook, chorus, and viral moment is a writer shaping how the world hears and feels a song.
In this in-the-round session, Alicia Creti, Liam Benayon, Rêve, and Sophie Simmons come together to share their approach to writing music that connects at scale. Through live performance and open conversation, they’ll unpack the creative process, the pressure of commercial success, and the realities of building a voice in a crowded global market.

Brodie League and The Rise of Amateur Sports
2026-05-08 16:00 - 16:45 | Departure House, 58 Berkeley St, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2W6, Canada
What started as a passion project has grown into one of the most exciting movements in grassroots sport. In this conversation, Connor Renton—founder of the Brodie League—is joined by special guests to explore the evolution of amateur athletics and why more adults are returning to play.
From building community-driven leagues to removing barriers around access, time, and experience, this panel will unpack how modern amateur sports are being reimagined for a new generation. At its core, it’s about a simple idea: playing sports as an adult should be easy, social, and fun—and the opportunity to build something much bigger around that idea.
